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Iraq establishes new security force to protect its archaeological wealth

Iraq is seeking to preserve what’s left of its antiquities through the establishment of a special security force to protect one of its richest provinces in terms of archaeological sites.

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People stand on the steps of the Ziggurat of Ur near Nasiriyah, Iraq, Jan. 23, 2014. — REUTERS/Ahmed Saad

BAGHDAD — On Aug. 7, Dhi Qar province, south of Iraq, formed a security force to protect its archaeological sites and monuments. The province is one of Iraq’s richest in archaeological sites, some of which are 7,000 years old.

The new force intends to enforce strict security measures to curb antiquities trafficking in areas with considerable archaeological sites.

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